A Year in Lincolnshire: From Remembrance to Royal Salute — Looking Back at 2025

January – Fresh Starts and Local Spirit

The year began with a sense of renewal as communities across Lincolnshire kicked off 2025 with events aimed at bringing people together. Local councils and groups shared their plans for the coming year’s festivals, fairs and community initiatives, setting the tone for another busy calendar of events.

February – Community Growth and Business Buzz

In places such as Market Rasen, Boston and Louth, the business community shared good news early in the year as local enterprises reported growth and new ventures launched across town centres. Residents were reminded that despite national headlines, Lincolnshire’s own economy continued to show resilience and energy.

Readers were delighted to hear revealing glimpse into life at RAF Coningsby was being captured by a second series of a high-flying TV show, ‘Top Guns: Inside The RAF’. The programme first aired by Channel 4 in 2023 attracted an average of 1.6 million viewers and was the channel’s second biggest 9pm series of that year, behind only ‘The Piano’.

March – Spring Ahead and Awards for Excellence

Spring arrived with a flourish. In March, Destination Lincolnshire announced the winners of the 2024-25 tourism awards, shining a light on local businesses and attractions that draw visitors from across the region. Horncastle was celebrated in particular, with the town earning recognition for its Pride in Place efforts — a testament to civic pride and heritage conservation that draws both locals and tourists alike.

April – VE Day Commemorations Begin

As April turned to May, communities began to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) — a milestone that resonated deeply across the county. From the Sleaford Market Place ceremonies, where the Royal British Legion led heartfelt tributes and wreath-laying at war memorials, to other tributes across East Lindsey and beyond, Lincolnshire’s wartime legacy was honoured with dignity and gratitude.

May – First Mayor and Celebrating Peace and Reflection

The first Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns (Reform UK), was elected, taking office after being sworn in at Lincoln Cathedral on May 6 to oversee significant devolution deals for transport, skills, and growth.

On May 8, towns and villages from Skegness to Boston, Horncastle, Louth and Market Rasen held commemorative events for VE Day, bringing generations together to remember the sacrifices that secured peace. Communities embraced peace and reflection with parades, beacon ceremonies and moments of silence — including special projects such as historic exhibitions recalling life on the home front.

A headline that caught attention in Boston centred around an explosion in Pulvertoft Lane, which closed that area of road. However, police said it was believed to be an isolated incident, which happened unintentionally.

June – Festivals, Fairs and the Lincolnshire Show

June saw summer’s pulse quicken as the Lincolnshire Show lit up the season with record attendance, sunshine and family fun. For thousands, the Showground celebrations were a highlight of the year — showcasing everything from agricultural life to robot dogs and fusion-power displays that delighted all ages.

In towns like Market Rasen and Louth, local festivals also brought food, music and culture to the fore, proving once again that Lincolnshire’s community calendar is as rich and varied as ever.

July – A Local Hero Turns 100

July brought a special milestone as Alfred Conway, of Anderby Creek – Lincolnshire’s last surviving Burma Star veteran – celebrated his 100th birthday with family, friends and dignitaries. The centenary was a poignant reminder of living links to history and the importance of honouring those who served. In August he met King Charles III during a Service of Remembrance to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.

The £6.2 million project to redevelop Sutton on Sea’s Seaview Colonnade was officially opened to the public. Leader of East Lindsey District Council, Coun Craig Leyland cut the ribbon on the new state-of-the-art pavilion space in the heart of the village, providing a hub to support activities, events and tourism for residents and visitors.

August – VJ Day Observed with Quiet Pride

The summer continued with reflection as towns such as Sleaford marked Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) on August 15, with services led by local Royal British Legion branches, dignitaries and cadets. These events offered another chance for communities to come together in memory, gratitude and peace.

September – Schools and Sports Take Centre Stage

As summer faded, September saw schools returning with renewed energy and local sports clubs taking centre stage. From Louth’s youth fencing successes to community running events and autumn fairs in Boston and Horncastle, there was no shortage of positive, people-focused stories that highlighted young talent and local pride.

October – Remembrance Begins Early

In October, communities started early preparations for the solemn season. Ceremonies and poppy displays began appearing in town centres, with volunteers and cadets helping to ready memorials and public spaces ahead of the nationwide Remembrance events.

The bog reveal of Skegness's 2025 poppy display at Altitude 44, featured over 80,000 handmade poppies, aiming for a Guinness World Record for the nation's largest poppy installation, a spectacular community effort coordinated by the Royal British Legion. The display, built on nets hoisted up the 21m high-wire attraction, involved volunteers worldwide and aimed to surpass the previous year's display at the Clock Tower.

Aldi announced it would open its brand-new store on Gallamore Lane in Market Rasen in November, creating 28 new local jobs.

November – Remembering the Fallen

November’s Remembrance Sunday saw Lincolnshire fall silent in tribute. From Skegness’s packed parade and memorial service — where veterans, families and civic leaders honoured the fallen — to wreath-laying in Louth, Market Rasen, Horncastle and Coningsby, communities demonstrated once again that remembrance is at the heart of county life.

These events brought together generations in reflection and respect, with veterans, young cadets and residents standing shoulder to shoulder in tribute.

December – Festive Spirit and Community Giving

As the year closed, Lincolnshire’s villages and towns embraced the festive season with warmth. From Christmas markets in Boston to Skegness carol concerts and community meals bringing people of all ages together, the county’s tradition of kindness and generosity shone brightly. In contrast to the usual seasonal food on offer, a new restaurant serving Caribbean food in Sleaford enjoyed a successful first weekend of opening. Husband and wife Damien Brown and Toni-Ann Campbell-Brown launched Yaa Man Bar & Grill in their Market Place in time for the Sunday Christmas Market.

Looking Ahead

2025 will be remembered for its moments of remembrance and resilience, for community achievements big and small, and for the everyday stories that, together, capture the spirit of life in Lincolnshire. From honouring the past and celebrating local heroes to sharing summer sunshine and festive cheer, the year’s headlines reflect a county that looks out for one another and takes pride in its communities.

As we look ahead to 2026, Lincolnshire World remains proud to stand at the heart of local life — telling your stories, sharing your voices and celebrating the people and places that make our county special. We wish all our readers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.